Hello everyone,

I'll be starting a NMF model soon and I would like any kind of advice for how to get the most realistic finish. I know to build the model with flawless seams , no glue spots, or anything that will be augmented by the NMF, and to give it a light detergent wash to eliminate fingerprints. From there, I'm a little lost. Do I give it an overall base coat or just where the panel lines are? Does the base color matter?

Also has anyone seen this article? http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/2005/12/stuff_eng_tech_nmf.htm
It looks like a great technique for me (especially since I can only get enamel paints easily and don't want to bother with Alclad), but I'm worried that it could get a bit tedious. Is there an easier way to get different subtle shades on the panels without individually painting each panel a different shade of aluminum? What easy techniques have you guys experimented with?

Thanks in advance!

Ooh, also if you can suggest some weathering techniques, I would greatly appreciate it!

Hi Robby. I have an article showing how to mask off small panels and use a small amount of pastel powder of different colours and buff it in to give varied weathering effect from panel to panel. It worked on either camo or NMF and gave a great effect. The modeler used an artists paper stub pencil to buff the powder in, these are cheap and found in most art supplies.

Hope this helps.

Check out my videos

http://hawkeyes-squawkbox.com/videos/

Thanks for the videos Hawkeye! I do have a question though. I'm not sure how those paints are different than spraying with a regular metallic paint. I'm sure there is something that an amateur like me doesn't know about, but I'd appreciate an explanation about your product. The results look very convincing though!